This vibrant green salad combines the fresh, crisp flavors of pomegranate, Bartlett pear, and Honeycrisp apple, creating a stunning dish perfect for both holiday gatherings and weeknight dinners.
A delightful addition to any holiday spread, it brings a burst of color and flavor that will surely captivate your guests.
The nutty crunch of toasted pecans, creamy goat cheese, and zesty ginger dressing elevate this salad into a crowd-pleasing delight.
Salad Preparation Tips
- Apple and Pear: For clean, even slices, cut each fruit about 1/2″ from the core on all four sides and discard the core. Lay the flat sides of the pieces on the cutting board and slice them thinly. Arrange the slices in sections around the salad to create a beautiful presentation.
- Pomegranate: Removing the arils from a pomegranate can be tricky, but I prefer this method: Cut the pomegranate in half, and then tap the back of each half with a wooden spoon to release the seeds. It’s easy and avoids the mess!
- Goat Cheese: To crumble goat cheese, simply use a fork to break it into small pieces. You’ll need about half of a standard log of goat cheese for this recipe.
- Pecans: Toasting raw pecans brings out their natural flavor and adds a delicious crunch. It’s a quick step that makes a significant difference and helps keep the nuts fresher for longer.
- Dressing: The apple cider vinaigrette with fresh ginger is quick to whisk together and can be prepared up to two days in advance for added convenience.
Pomegranate & Pear Green Salad with Ginger Dressing
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 side salads
Ingredients:
Salad
- ½ cup raw pecans (halves or pieces)
- 5 ounces baby arugula
- 2 ounces (about ½ cup) goat cheese or feta, crumbled
- 1 large ripe Bartlett pear, thinly sliced
- 1 Honeycrisp or Gala apple, thinly sliced
- Arils from 1 pomegranate
Ginger Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 10 twists of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Toast the Pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and chop roughly (or skip chopping if you use pecan pieces). Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: Spread the baby arugula across a large serving platter or bowl. Top with the toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and fan out the pear and apple slices over the salad. Scatter the pomegranate arils across the top.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), grated ginger, sea salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more vinegar if you prefer a sharper tang.
- Serve the Salad: Drizzle the ginger dressing lightly over the salad just before serving. You may not need all of the dressing. Serve promptly to avoid wilting the greens.
Notes:
- Make it Dairy-Free/Vegan: Omit the goat cheese and ensure to use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Make it Nut-Free: Swap out the pecans for pepitas (green pumpkin seeds).
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the salad dressing and arrange the arugula, pecans, goat cheese, and pomegranate up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add the apple and pear slices just before serving to prevent browning.
Storage Tips:
This salad is best served immediately. If you plan to have leftovers, dress individual servings as needed, and store the salad and dressing separately.
Leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serving Suggestions
For a striking presentation, serve this salad on a large platter, allowing guests to admire the vibrant colors and textures.
Although you could toss the salad before serving, it looks especially beautiful when drizzled with the dressing just before serving, letting guests serve themselves as they desire.
Whether you’re looking for a light, festive salad for the holidays or just craving something fresh, this Pomegranate & Pear Green Salad is sure to impress.
It’s not only visually stunning but also a treat for the taste buds.
